Light dessert, beautiful breakfast, or an easy snack, Apple and Pear Crumble can be all! This recipe requires only wholesome ingredients which you can still find on farmers markets, plus it is really simple to make. Mmm…I guess found my new fall favorite.
September is almost over, but somewhere inside me I still do not believe that the summer is gone. The change of seasons always brings a touch of melancholy; it makes me want to slow down a little in my everyday life. Even though the warm and colorful September in Chicago is my favorite month in the whole year, it is a little sad to see how leaves on the trees are changing their colors, knowing that soon enough they will be gone. I know, I know, it is useless to complain about the season change but sometimes I do silly things. Okay, that is enough about my September drama, let’s talk about my recent discoveries.
Lately, I was so happy to discover a service called imperfect produce (thanks to my dear friend Ana!) Beautiful but “not perfect” (which makes it cheaper) produce from mostly local farmers is delivered to our home every week. The idea is worth at least a round of applause. It’s called imperfect because some of their products do not have perfect shape or size, so they did not make a cut for the stores. Nevertheless, a funny-shaped tomato or oversized sweet potato do not become less nutritious or delicious. I can say more about imperfect produce and even share my little tips for using them if someone is interested; just let me know in the comments ;).
Long story short, this week we definitely overestimated our need for apples and pears. We had so many of those in the house that I needed to take an action. I put together all my creativity and made an apple and pear crumble. Earlier I wrote about my love for apples and apple pie. Tied to my childhood experience this aroma and taste always reminds me of home and sweet childhood memories with my parents.
This crumble includes the best from that pie — a wonderful taste, an abundance of warm spices and, of course, apples. I made it gluten-free, vegan with no added sugar. So everyone, regardless of their diet, can enjoy it.
We loved it a lot, and now I am very excited to share it with my friends.
Fall Crumble with Apples and Pears
Ingredients
- Filling ingredients:
- 4 soft pears
- 6 big red apples
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cardamom
- Splash of vanilla extract
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- 1 tsp of coconut oil or use 1 coconut + 1 butter / ghee
- ***
- For topping
- 1 cup of organic rolled oats
- ½ oat flour
- ½ quinoa flour other gluten-free flour
- 1 cup of cashew pieces or chopped cashews
- 5-6 big soft dates
- 4 tbsp of organic cold-pressed coconut oil.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 ℉/ 190 ℃
- Cut pears and apples in cubes.
- Put 1 tbsp of oil on a large skillet, heat it, then add the rest of the filling ingredients. Stir well until everything is combined, then cover with a lid. Keep on medium heat for 10-12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut dates into small pieces and place in a medium bowl. Add the rest of topping ingredients to the bowl and combine everything well using your hands. Small crumbs should be formed.
- Line a baking form with a parchment paper.
- Using a big spoon, place cooked apple and pear mixture into the baking form. Then spread the topping on top of it evenly.
- Place into the oven for 35 minutes until the top is slightly golden. One you have noticed that the pleasant scent spread all over the house, the crumble is ready!
Enjoy it warm or cold!
For a breakfast option, it is the best to serve the crumble over some yogurt (almond yogurt is my favorite one) or serve it just as it is, for the dessert — a spoon of coconut milk ice cream or any other ice cream you enjoy will make a nice addition. You can also try my banana ice-cream recipe.
xo,
Zhenya
Have you tried the recipe yet? How did you like it? Please, share your thought in comments below or on social media using #lemonsqueezylife. Can’t wait to hear from you!
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